Location: Zanesville, OH•In-State Tuition: $5,856•Out-of-State Tuition: $11,466
Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,311
5th percentile
25th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$7,668
42% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.26 ManageableSample: 22 graduates Limited data

Analysis

The small sample size here demands caution, but the numbers are troubling enough to warrant concern. Zane State's Information Science graduates earn roughly $29,400 after graduation—about $8,500 below what similar programs produce in Ohio and nearly $10,000 below the national median. That 25th percentile ranking among Ohio programs means three-quarters of competing in-state options deliver better outcomes, including Cuyahoga Community College's program that generates earnings 54% higher.

The minimal debt load of $7,668 is the only bright spot, coming in well below both state and national averages. This keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.26, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in roughly three months of earnings. However, flat earnings growth between year one and year four suggests graduates aren't advancing into better-paying roles—they're essentially stuck at entry-level wages that hover around $14 per hour.

For parents considering this investment, the low debt is attractive but doesn't compensate for earnings that lag so far behind alternatives. If your child is committed to staying in Ohio for an Information Science associate's degree, other community colleges produce substantially better financial outcomes. The small sample size means these numbers could shift with more data, but until that happens, this program's track record suggests looking elsewhere.

Where Zane State College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies associates's programs nationally

Zane State CollegeOther information science/studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Zane State College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Zane State College earns $29k — 5th percentile among information science/studies associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Zane State College$29,311$29,406+0%
Cuyahoga Community College District$45,238$54,104+20%
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$37,961$54,073+42%
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College$37,961$54,073+42%
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College$37,961$54,073+42%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Information Science/Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Zane State CollegeZanesville$5,856$29,311$29,406$7,6680.26
Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland$3,736$45,238$54,104$17,6290.39
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$37,961$54,073$13,1250.35
University of Cincinnati-Clermont CollegeBatavia$6,554$37,961$54,073$13,1250.35
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeBlue Ash$6,992$37,961$54,073$13,1250.35
National Median—$38,906—$13,3000.34

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Zane State College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.